Creative Commons image courtesy of Dawn Armfield
The Camp and Woolsey wildfires have devastated several areas across Northern and Southern California. According to The New York Times, 44 people have died, and 225,500 acres have been scorched as a result.
If you are wondering what you can do in response, there are many ways that you can donate help the people and communities affected.
Local community foundations are extremely important when disaster strikes, because they are experts on the needs of their local communities, have established processes for vetting and giving out resources, and are committed to both the immediate need and the long-term recovery efforts.
Some accredited community foundations in California include:
California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund (Los Angeles County)
North Valley Community Foundation Evacuation Relief Fund
Ventura County Community Foundation has activated the Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire Sudden and Urgent Needs Effort as well as the CONEJO VALLEY VICTIMS FUND to support relief and recovery efforts following the shooting in Thousand Oaks that took 12 lives
In a time when Californians are dealing with multiple tragedies, remember that you can make a difference where it counts: in the local community.